Burnt Sugar is a contemporary literary novel by Avni Doshi that centers on the intense and often painful relationship between a daughter, Antara, and her aging mother, Tara.
Set in India, the story explores how Antara’s memories of her childhood are shaped by her mother’s unpredictable behavior and unconventional lifestyle. As Tara begins to suffer from memory loss, Antara is forced to confront unresolved resentment, emotional trauma, and questions about caregiving and forgiveness.
The novel shifts between past and present, revealing how deeply intertwined love and anger can be within family relationships. It examines how memory itself can be unreliable, and how personal truth changes over time.
Burnt Sugar is widely recognized in contemporary fiction. It is ideal for readers who enjoy psychological storytelling, complex family dynamics, and emotional depth, offering a powerful exploration of motherhood, memory, and the lingering impact of past wounds.
